‘Dante’ death toll rises to 25, damages at P191.2M

MANILA, Philippines - The death toll from Typhoon "Dante" has risen to 25 as of Tuesday morning while three people remain missing, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said. In its report at 8 a.m. Tuesday, NDCC said 20 of the 25 are from Sorsogon, while there were two fatalities each from Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. Meanwhile, the Office of the Civil Defense in Bicol said it has started relief and clearing operations in the region, now that the weather has improved. Fatalities included Domingo Torio, 85, who was electrocuted in Catanduanes; and Epifanio Guardacasa, 59; and Juliana Guardacasa, 54, who were killed in a landslie in Hubo, Magallanes in Sorsogon. Still missing in the landslide are Jerry Guardacasa, 37; and Sonny Balquein, 32. Reported injured were Tommy Guardacasa, 17; Romulo Hicap; Alma Lieta, 37; Domingo Balqui, 66; and Roselyn delos Santos. NDCC also estimated the damage to property in Bicol alone at P191.209 million, including P170.535 million in 25,117.11 metric tons of crops; and P127.7 million in infrastructure. On the other hand, at least 43,215 families or 236,887 people were affected in 220 villages in 45 towns and three cities in five Bicol provinces. At least 174 evacuation centers are now accommodating 9,480 families or 54,308 people. Meanwhile, OCD Bicol head Raffy Alejandro said in a radio interview they have started relief and clearing operations. We have started clearing the landslide-hit areas. In Sorsogon, most of the roads are now passable to light vehicles and we expect them to be passable to trucks by Tuesday, Alejandro said in an interview on dzXL radio. - GMANews.TV